NORTH WEBSTER — North Webster Town Marshal Greg Church was surprised and honored by his officers and the town council Tuesday for his 30 years of service to the town.
The recognition came during the council's monthly meeting.
Officer Dave May made the presentation of a glass plaque to honor the occasion.
Church started with the town in October 1994 and became chief in 2001. He has since served the town, community and adjacent towns in Kosciusko County.
"We're lucky to have you for these years, you've done us a good job." said Council President Dan Thystrup.
"My retirement is today?" joked Church when it was announced there was one other matter before the council concerning the police department. "That's cool," Church stated upon seeing the plaque. "It's been a pleasure to work with these guys ... Thank you so much guys ... it's been a pleasure working with everybody, glad to do it for a few more years yet."
The town was also recognized by Surf Internet as a "Gig City" for 2024. Jardon Holzwart, regional market manager, made the presentation along with Jim Morris, regional development manager.
During other business the town heard from Mike Webb, Rory and Becky Kiphart, with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Kosciusko County. Webb gave a brief history of the organization and chapter. The purpose of SHP is "No kid sleeps on the floor in our town!"
A video was presented of what SHP is about and the build process. During Webb's presentation he noted over all SHP has built 250,000 beds since its inception in approximately 2012 and now has over 400 chapters in the country.

    Surf Internet presented a plaque to the town of North Webster naming it a “Gig City” in 2024. Pictured (L to R) are Council member Lisa Stombeck; Jordan Holzwart, regional market manager for Surf Internet; Dan Thystrup, council president; Dave Waliczek, council member; and Jim Morris, regional development manager for Surf Internet. Photo by Deb Patterson, InkFreeNews
  

He explained the process, cost per complete bed and how the builds are organized. "It's great for team building and service projects," Webb stated. He noted no experience is needed and all tools and building material is provided.
The local chapter, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has built 368 beds so far, delivering 229, with deliveries made each week.
Webb encouraged the board to help find businesses, service clubs and set aside time next year to do an outdoor build.
The council also received a formal request from Michael Wyrick, president of the Webster Lake Conservation Association, for financial support for an immediate hydrologic and geotechnical study. The studies are needed as part of a report necessary to form a conservancy district. Those studies are estimated to cost $286,000.
The conservancy district would oversee the maintenance and repair of the town's dam.
Wyrick brought the council up to date on the situation between WLCA and its battle with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, and the work toward creating a conservancy district. He noted he has raised $180,000 this past summer toward funds needed in the endeavor, but these studies are needed in the immediate future instead of after the district is formed.
He asked the council to get their heads together and figure out what contribution they could make toward the initial start up. "We need you to get hot on it," he stated. Wyrick noted he would be going before several other organizations, including the township advisory board to seek contributions, which could be reimbursed after the conservancy is formed.
No action was taken by the council.
During department reports, the town heard from Mike Noe, utilities superintendent, the leaf pickup was well underway and caught up. "Our last pick up day will be Dec. 6," said Noe, adding by that time things will be pretty well done. Additionally he noted all the brush has been handled, a stop sign at Ward Lane and the Church of God has been repaired - believed damaged by the wind, and following the tree lighting, trash cans in the uptown area will be moved.
Church received the town's permission to close West Washington Street, from Main Street to Harrison street between 2-7 p.m. Nov. 23, for the town's tree lighting festivities. he stated the request from the North Webster Tippecanoe-Township Chamber of Commerce was received several days ago.
For the parks department, Leann Hubbs reported the parks are ready for winter including the trash cans being stored until spring.
The next meeting of the council will be at 6 p.m. Dec. 7.